Finding Greatness: Dr. Kendra Russell
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Tuesday, September 6, 2016 1:10 PM
Categories:
Finding Greatness | Faculty/Staff | Pressroom | School of Health Sciences
Macon, GA
Full Name: Dr. Kendra Russell.
Title: Professor of Nursing and director of Program Innovation & Evaluation.
Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Georgia State University; Master of Science in Nursing with concentration in Nursing Administration, Georgia College; Bachelor of Science in Nursing with minor Business Management, Georgia College.
Describe your service to Middle Georgia State University and the community at large.
“I’m fairly new here at MGA, with 5 months of service. Since coming on board I have been a part of securing a Nursing Faculty Initiative Grant from the University System of Georgia of just over $400,000 for two years. This grant is part of a collaborative with Navicent Health and other partners to provide an opportunity for advanced practice faculty to complete required practice hours needed for certification through a nurse-managed clinic set to open January 2017.
"In July, I presented and co-chaired the second day conference session for the fifth International Conference on Pediatric Nursing & Healthcare – July 11-12, 2016 in Cologne, Germany. The conference speakers and keynotes presented research on a variety of topics related to pediatric healthcare. Participants included nurses, occupational therapists, physicians, faculty, and other healthcare providers who came from all parts of the world such as Nigeria, Taiwan, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, Belgium, India, Oman, Ireland, Sweden, UK, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Malaysia and the USA.
"My research focuses on improving the healthcare of premature infants. The information presented highlighted research projects completed at Navicent Health in the Level III Nursery. The projects were collaborative and included bedside nurses in the planning and implementation of the projects. The results of the projects have led to a nursing practice focused on family centered and neurodevelopmental supportive care. This type of nursing care provided improves the outcomes of the premature infants served in this region. It is a perfect example of the importance of research and the application of practice.
"To be able to share this research with clinicians from all over the world provides a larger platform to discuss and collaborate on common issues regarding premature infant health outcomes. I hope with the connections made with colleagues at this conference that additional research will be developed that will provide more opportunities for our nursing students to collaborate on a global level.
"I serve on the Board of Community Partnership (Monroe-Bibb Family Connection), Joshua’s House, Macon Bibb Citizen Advocacy and Macon North Rotary Club.”
What attracted you to a faculty position at Middle Georgia State University?
“The opportunity to be a part of building a strong graduate nursing program and the wealth of opportunities to grow and partner to graduate nurses leaders for our community.”
What do you like best about teaching/working at Middle Georgia State?
“I have wonderful colleagues who are passionate about students and education.”
In your opinion, what does it take for students majoring in Nursing to be successful these days?
“A commitment to be a lifelong learner. The world of healthcare is ever changing and you must be willing to continue to learn to keep up with the pace to provide the best evidence based care. It doesn’t end after graduation, you need to have a hunger for learning.”
What would students be surprised to learn about you?
“I enjoy yoga practice.”